Cricket: Hesson set for Black Caps role

Jesse Ryder and Kane Williamson. Photo / Getty Images

Mike Hesson seems poised to become the latest addition to the Black Caps' management - either as the newly-created national selection manager or, perhaps more likely, the team manager replacing Dave Currie.

Just 36, Hesson has been a quiet achiever since his elevation to Otago coach in 2005-06. He rejuvenated a side long considered also-rans by taking them to their first title in 20 years - the State Shield in 2007-08 - and backed it up with the Twenty20 championship the following year.

He has coached New Zealand A on a number of tours, and helped mentor the likes of Nathan McCullum, Craig Cumming, Gareth Hopkins, Neil Broom and Aaron Redmond into national ranks. His recruitment skills also brought South African-born fast bowler Neil Wagner to the province - he's likely to play for New Zealand early next year. He also brought England's player of the year Jonathan Trott to New Zealand for a season - and Trott has gone on to great things.

Hesson's knack of empowering players to take their talent to the top level could suit either role. His organisational skills have impressed John Wright - both are understood to trust each other, having previously worked together on New Zealand A tours.

Hesson is also a respected confidant of Brendon McCullum. That could bring out the best in the wicketkeeper/batsman and limit any tendency to be impulsive.

Hesson has never played at national level which may be seen as a hindrance by some, but the upside is he shows none of the trappings of ego that sometimes come with such prestige. In contrast to previous manager Dave Currie, Hesson is steeped in cricketing lore and is seen in cricket circles as someone with a no-nonsense, organised approach; respected by the players.

He attended the national academy in the mid-1990s and was 12th man on three occasions for Otago as part of eight years with the wider squad. However, as an opening batsman, stuck behind the likes of New Zealand recruits Matt Horne and Mark Richardson, he knew he would struggle to play regular first-class cricket.

So he headed overseas, playing minor county cricket in England before coaching in the Netherlands, Ireland and Argentina. He coached the latter to their first three wins in international competition during 2004 - they were previously none from 31.

In recent years he has been appointed to Sparc's three-year accelerator programme for New Zealand's top up-and-coming sports coaches. He also had a spell as assistant to John Bracewell at Gloucestershire in 2009.

Hesson declined to comment on his chances to secure either role this week, but when the Herald on Sunday mentioned him as a coaching candidate in November 2009 after Andy Moles' exit he said: "I like to think I'm a good communicator and well-organised so players generally know where they stand. I also like to keep things simple so players feel comfortable about going out and achieving."

His approach was backed - then and now - by his Otago captain Cumming: "Hess's skills as a man-manager and his thorough work ethic were something our players enjoyed and he's brought the best out in a lot of our players."